Scunthorpe United is delighted to announce former Bradford City midfielder Kian Scales as the club’s ninth summer signing on a one-year deal, effective from July 1st, 2023.
The 21-year-old will arrive at Glanford Park following the expiration of his contract with the Bantams, with his long association with the side coming to an end. He joined the club in 2014 before progressing through the academy set-up to sign a professional contract in July 2020.
He was handed his debut with the side by former Iron manager Stuart McCall in a goalless draw against Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Trophy and he’d go on to play nearly every minute of the group stages of the competition. His success in those performances lead him to be handed his league debut four days after the final of three group cup matches in a 2-2 home draw against Exeter City before he was handed his full league debut on December 1st, 2020 against Cheltenham Town at Valley Parade.
Scales would make a total of 23 appearances for the side in his breakthrough season, and would continue to be selected following the departure of McCall and the installation of Mark Trueman and Connor Sellars as new joint-managers. His second league start came against the Iron back on March 23rd, 2021 at Glanford Park before he celebrated netting his first senior goal four days later in a 2-1 win at Colchester United - a strike which was later voted as the club’s goal of the month.
Over the last two seasons, Scales has made loan spells to fellow National League North side Farsley Celtic, first playing six games in all competitions in 2021-22 before returning to the Citadel last season to play in 42 of their league games, scoring three goals, also adding a further two goals and four appearances in their cup competitions.
Speaking after signing for the Iron, Scales said: "I'm really happy to get it done. It's been going on for a few weeks and I'm really delighted to get it sorted and I can't wait to see the lads on the first day of pre-season and get going from there.
"I'm ready to get going, I've missed it. It's a fresh start for me. I can't wait to meet the lads and kick on with training and the games.
"There are a lot of good teams, tough games and different tests in this league. I'm sure we'll experience that. Hopefully we can be at the very top and do well.
"I've seen the signings that have come in before me, and I'm sure there'll be some after me as well. It shows good intent, and hopefully we can be at the top of the table."
Adding what he feels he can bring to the team, he continued: "I'm a midfielder, but can play right-back or right wingback. I'm energetic, will get up and down the pitch, and hopefully I can add a few goals to that."